Using the Progress Test Medizin (PTM) for evaluation of the Medical Curriculum Munich (MeCuM)

AIMS The Medical Curriculum Munich (MeCuM) has been implemented since 2004 and was completely established in 2007. In this study the clinical part of MeCuM was evaluated with respect to retention of the knowledge in internal medicine (learning objectives of the 6th/7th semester). METHODS In summer of 2009 and winter of 2009/2010 1065 students participated in the Progress Test Medizin (PTM) from Charité Medical School Berlin. Additionally the students answered a questionnaire regarding the acceptance and rating of the progress test and basic demographic data. RESULTS The knowledge of internal medicine continuously increases during the clinical part of the medical curriculum in Munich. However, significant differences between the sub-disciplines of internal medicine could be observed. The overall acceptance of the PTM was high and increased further with the study progress. Interestingly, practical experiences like clinical clerkships positively influenced the test score. CONCLUSIONS The PTM is a useful tool for the evaluation of knowledge retention in a specific curriculum.